Autoblog

Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets the nod... but will we?

Zach Bowman — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:21:00 EST

Filed under: Budget, Europe, Hatchback, Ford, Rumormill

The fine folk at Auto Express are reporting that the powerful Ford Fiesta ST has gotten the official go ahead from the suits in Europe. If all of the whispers making their way around the internet right now are true, our cousins across the pond will be getting a crack at a 180-horsepower version of the Blue Oval's tiny hatch very soon.

All of that pep should come courtesy of a 1.6-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine, and should help the Fiesta get to 60 mph in under seven seconds. Odds are the forced induction engine will be coupled to either a six-speed manual transmission or the company's new dual-clutch gear box.

But does that mean we'll get to enjoy the same kind of fun in our neck of the woods? It's hard to say, but since Ford is openly embracing a new global philosophy, a Fiesta ST for America isn't completely out the question. Consider our fingers crossed.

[Source: Auto Express]

Report: Ford Fiesta ST gets the nod... but will we? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 19:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Next Ford Fiesta ST shelved

Dan Roth — Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford, UK

Ford is saying that the time is no longer ideal to introduce the hot rod Fiesta ST, but we beg to differ. When is it ever the wrong time to bring the performance guns to market? The sales might not actually support our enthusiasm for the car, as automotive markets are sagging globally, and so the official decision has been made to put the Fiesta ST on the shelf for now. All may not be lost, however. Later on in this Fiesta's lifecycle, Ford might pull the zoomy ST back into the light of day as a way to keep interest in the model going. No matter what happens, Ford's saying that the Fiesta ST will be going away until 2012, at least.

[Source: Autocar, Photo: whatcar]

REPORT: Next Ford Fiesta ST shelved originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Mar 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Fiesta XR4 launches in the land of Oz

Alex Nunez — Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:29:00 EST

Filed under: Hatchback, Ford

Click image for hi-res gallery

All the B-car hubbub this weekend centered around the nifty new Mazda2, which we seriously hope to see in the US at some poin tin the future. At Australia's Melbourne International Motor Show, however, Ford showed off its tried-and-true Fiesta in that market's XR performance trim. The Fiesta XR4, looking very swank in it's decidedly Shelby-looking blue-on-white stripe package, is really just a rebadged Euro-market Fiesta ST.

That's no bad thing, as the small hatch (it's slotted below the Focus) pumps out 150 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque from its 2.0-liter four cylinder. The only transmission offered on the XR version is a five-speed manual, and we're confident that the car's target audience wouldn't have it any other way. Very snazzy wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber combine with great-looking factory bodywork to create an attractive and desirable overall package.

This settles it: we're moving to Australia. It's not enough that they get their killer home-market Ford rear-drivers like the FPV GT, but they get the best stuff Ford of Europe has on offer as well (Fiesta, Focus)? We give up. This weekend, it was announced that Australia's getting the new Mondeo, too. Talk about a glut of riches.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Ford Australia]

Gallery: 2007 Ford Fiesta XR4 (AUDM)

Continue reading Ford Fiesta XR4 launches in the land of Oz

Ford Fiesta XR4 launches in the land of Oz originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Mar 2007 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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10-unit Focus ST White Edition for Japan

Alex Nunez — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:33:00 EST

Filed under: Japan, Hatchback, Ford

Specialized, market-specific limited edition color and trim packages are popular in Japan, and Ford has just announced a very exclusive new addition to that segment: the Focus ST White.

Limited to 10 units, the Focus ST White (Japan's traditional racing color) can only be reserved on the web beginning August 1, 2006. If more than ten potential customers register (bet on it), names will be drawn to see who gets to pony up ¥3,200,000 ($27,000 USD) for one of the cars.

Mechanically, nothing differentiates it from any other Focus ST. It's still powered by the 2.5L turbocharged 5 cylinder and makes 225 horsepower.

Until recently, the ST had been available in Japan in just two colors: Electric Orange and Performance Blue. On July 13th, dealers in the country began sale of the Focus and Fiesta ST Black editions. All of these pale compared to the ST White, though. In it, Ford of Japan has achieved something quite remarkable: they have taken a standard issue car in a color that is readily available in other markets and made it into one of the most exotic vehicles to be found in Japan. Amazing.

If the Japanese car culture is as advanced and knowledgable as it seems, the White STs will turn heads wherever they go. You may find this color package underwhelming, but in Japan, these cars will be scarcer than the new Cornes Ferrari.

(More photos after the jump)

[Source: Ford Japan (translated)]

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10-unit Focus ST White Edition for Japan originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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